Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Wow~ Do I need to get back into the swing of things. It is seriously hot and humid today and I can barely move! Camping this weekend wiped me out. After a severe thunderstorm rolled in on Friday night, I was ready to pack up and leave! For real! It was the worst thunderstorm I've seen in a while, and I was in a tent with my hubby, dog and 3 kids... But after the storm, things cleared up and save for a couple of sprinkles and a little thunder, we had a gorgeous weekend.

We camped right on the river, cooked hotdogs and hamburgers on the fire, roasted marshmallows for s'mores, my absolute favorite and skipped rocks on the river.

I didn't paint my nails for an entire 4 days now! What?! I took off my polish Friday morning before we left and still nothing but bare nails. And boy does it look wierd. lol My feet were in major need of a pedicure when we got home yesterday.

However, I soaked them in philosophy vanilla birthday cake shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath and let me tell you... a world of a difference... They are soft and smooth and it lifted off a weekends worth of flip flop wearing, camping grime. A-mazing stuff! It's my new foot soaker, which I plan on doing more often. I have a foot spa that is a pain to drag out, let dry, put away... All you need a huge silver bowl... and some philosophy vanilla birthday cake!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

I was up bright and early for the release (I swear I didn't get up just for this, the hubby went to work early!) But while I was up early, I thought I would jump on-line and order only to find that the site was not up and running. Bummer.

So the site is up now but the dang metallic pigments are unavailable. Of course the only items I want from the collection! The customer service rep said that they don't have an exact date yet but to check back later today or tomorrow. Here are pictures from the website:

Summer Stash

Surf the Ocean

I watched Glam Life Guru's tutorial and I can't wait to get my hands on them. It will be my first MAC purchase! Yay! I definitely have similar colors in my mineral stash, not the brown for sure though.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's a perfect pink to me. This is Essie French Affair. 50% off at CVS. My stores are loaded with the French Collection. I should have waited until 75%! Well in that case it better happen before June hits so I can pick up the rest of the collection!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Not 1 but 3 prizes and the first is the entire OMG China Glaze Collection. Seriously omg... There are 2 other prizes but this one is the one I want of course! Head over to GildedNails for more details...

So I was looking at my nails earlier, admiring the slight shimmer, thinking about the sun and surf... Yeah, I need a vacation. I immediately thought of White Cap and how it's shimmery beautifulness would make Coat Azure even better.

1. I have 3 beautiful children ages 6, 3, and 8 months and husband of 7 years. He's like a 4th child some days. I'm kidding, he's my rock and supportive of everything I do. Including my latest obsession with nail polish.

2. I just finished my second Bachelor's degree. This time in Nursing. My first is in Biology. Yes I was pregnant during the first half of school and it was during a very hot summer. The fall semester with a newborn was insane. I never slept. I still don't actually.

3. We move every 3 years. My husband is an active duty Marine. Every move gets a little more difficult. More stuff, more kids... lol We are selling a house for the first time this move and it is adding a little extra stress. I will miss this house.

4. I used to hate painting my nails. When I was in college, the first time, Chanel Vamp was the "in" color. I tried for a week to paint my nails with Vamp. It would bother me that it stained my cuticles and looked awful. I don't think I ever wore it as a mani.

5. I don't like to get manicures. Only once was there a time when a manicurist did a superb job.

6. I love coffee. It is quite the dependence. I wake up thinking about coffee. I never actually finish a cup. Ever. Maybe an iced coffee. Oh and I can only drink hot or over ice. I can't reheat my coffee in the micro because it changes the taste.

7. Well I guess I have a 4th child as well. A 4 year old black lab/pit bull/boxer/beagle, I'm not really sure what mix. She is super needy and drives me crazy most of the time.

8. I love to garden. My parents owned a florist for a few years and my sister and I would be there on the weekends making dish gardens and flower arrangements. It was so much fun!
9. I'm a quilter. Well was before I started school. When we bought this house I envisioned a "studio" of sorts in the upstairs bedroom. A room off of that huge room was going to be made into my dressing room, but we never got around to that either! Three years sure flew by!

10. I have been blogging for 7 years now. My first blog "Mummy Brain." I haven't read it in a long time but I remember writing a lot about my baby daughter at the time and the Red Sox. When I started this blog, I had no idea how many "beauty blogs" there were out there. Total shock!

I headed to Walgreens and CVS today. Lots of free/nearly free stuff! Rimmel at CVS in particular. I hope True Ivory in the Rimmel Stay Matte is a winner because I now have 2 tubes of it. I just couldn't help it! lol $3 MC and it's $1.78. CVS didn't adjust the coupon down so I had $1.22 in overage. Plus I grabbed Wet n Wild and a Rimmel nail polishes for a few cents as well as 3 eyeshadows for 9 cents. Have to use up those coupons!

And it ships for free!!! Use code COLORISTA at check out.
The details from the website:

"The Colorista palette gives you a spectacular range of colors, including a balanced mix of wearable nudes, stylish runway-inspired shades, and bold colors. When at home, keep the sleek black case nearby for exactly the right hue when you need it. For your purse, choose eight of your favorite colors and pop them into the customizable compact. Made with quality ingredients, each eye shadow is highly pigmented; the blushes and bronzes blend easily."

Friday, May 20, 2011

I swear I reviewed this before but I can't find it. Maybe that's because I never did! lol But let me review it for you one more time because it's that great.

It has one of those aerating pumping mechanisms that make the product foam really nicely. When smoothed on to the face and you begin to work it into a creamy lather. The first few times I used it, it had a nice cooling sensation after working it in and when rinsed, skin is soft and smooth and you really feel like you have already toned the face. Not in the "my skin is so dry I need moisturizer" kind of way, just clean and refreshed.

The product is oil-free and has a clean, fresh scent. I really put it to the test and my facial skin one day when I literally tried a dozen samples of foundation and my own foundation mixed with various finishing powders looking for the right color match. I washed my face more than 20 times in probably a 2 hour window. My face never dried out and never was irritated from the frequent washing/scrubbing. I really put it to the test, not intentionally, it was the cleanser that I reached for that day was I was frantically trying to find the perfect foundation.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thankfully I popped on the ole computer before leaving the house this evening because I read on Nouveau Cheap that CVS was clearancing out a few items throughout the store including Essie's French Collection for 50% off. Well of course I head straight there. Nothing was marked at my store but I scanned a few items to see.

So I grabbed some Rimmel Stay Matte foundation at 75% and some Rimmel primer also at 75% off or $1.78 a piece. And they were BOGO 50% off. I had a $3 MC for the Rimmel Stay Matte. Awesome. I also grabbed two Essie's, Coat Azure and French Affair.

I also stumbled upon a new Lumene that I haven't see before. Time Freeze Eye Perfecting Treatment. An eye cream with Resveratrol. Thought I would try it out since I had a CVS coupon for Spend $20, get a free TIme Freeze Cooling Stick and I had a $2 CVS coupon for Lumene. The cooling stick retails around $20 and $5 ECBs with $20 purchase of Lumene. So why not?

So I spent $25 OOP which is a ton of money for me but I saved almost $75!

I love the Lumene line. It works really well. Can't wait to try the new treatment.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I started off with a layer of Eyeco Petite Polish for french nails. Hmm, really sheer. Let me layer that with Sally Hansen Sheer Vanilla to help build up the color. Another 2 layer of Eyeco and here's what I got:

But no... I want to "jazz" it up a bit. Let me put a couple layers of Sally Hansen Snappy Sprinkles...

Well it's starting to grow on me but I have a feeling it is coming off pretty soon... lol

It has taken me a while to review this product. I've been using it for close 2 months now. I will of course start with the things that I love/like about this product.

First of all, it really has changed my skin. So much so that I have had to look for a new foundation. It hit me the other day when I was thinking about why my previous foundations, while not perfect, would be sufficient and then all of a sudden I just couldn't wear them anymore.

My complexion is brighter, more even, and my pores are smaller. The eye cream has a metal end cap to it and when applying, it is cooling and soothing especially on those mornings when you have that extra puffiness. It is a real treat to the eye and so unique that I have never used another product with that feature. It definitely has made a difference in reducing my fine lines.

The day lotion has a pump which is a really nice feature. I pump it 3 times to have enough to smooth over my face and chest. I skip my neck because like I have said in other posts, I'm doomed if anything touches it. Instant sensitivity reaction which is a nice way of saying major breakout that will last seemingly for weeks. It's a very strange phenomenon. lol

It truly is an amazing product. Now on to the things I don't like about it.

Dang expensive!!! It runs anywhere from $29.95 to $34.95 for the starter trio. But I've been using it for close to 2 months now and I have a couple more weeks left of the night cream. Not sure of the day cream because I can't see inside the bottle. So it will roughly last 2.5 months. But I bought two sets with rite aid coupons, MCs, one I submitted a rebate for, and +up rewards at Rite Aid. I can't remember what I paid but I think one was a money maker. So let's say less than $5. I still have another one to use.

My skin is oily, combination at best. The lotions are very heavy. I only need a little tiny bit. At times it clogs my pores. I think. I say I think because at the same time I have been using this product there has been a lot of transition in my life. I've just finished up a year long accelerated baccalaureate nursing program. Can you say stress? I had a baby 8 months ago and a couple months ago we finished the process of weaning. Can you say hormones? I started taking biotin which I know many have said broke them out when they started taking it. We are selling our house and moving at the end of June. The house isn't sold and we have to move (military). More stress!

But it's not a breakout per se. Just clogged pores which as soon as I clean my face at night and apply the night cream, my face is back to smooth. I use the Olay Cleanser brush and currently I switch between 2 cleansers. Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Cleanser and Biore Revitalizing 4-in-1 self-foaming cleanser which I will be reviewing soon because it's almost gone! Oh and I forgot I've been testing out Say Yes to Blueberries Smoothing Cleanser and serum which I will be reviewing soon too!

Oh, I don't really like any jar of lotion because it gets under my nails. But what can you do? A thick night cream can't be dispensed in a pump. Or can it?

All in all, it's a great product and I did see a remarkable improvement in my skin after using this product.

Mail in your new or used beauty item to the Choose to Live Beautifully Campaign. In return for your donated product, you will receive a coupon [valued up to $7.99; limit two coupons per person] for a complimentary EcoTools product.

The “Choose to Live Beautifully” campaign partner, RecycleBank® (www.recyclebank.com), will then recycle all donated products. Now that’s beauty you can feel good about!

Mail in your products, along with your full name and mailing address to:

I finally spent the time to paint DVD on my nails! It's so sheer and it needs 3 coats and it takes forever to dry but it is a really pretty duochrome or trichome (?). It flashes pink, purple and blue! Love!

Oh and with Sally Hansen Fractured Foil Crackle Overcoat. Looks better in real life than in the picture. Trust me!

And this time I put Seche Vite over the crackle. Looks even more amazing!

I went in for the tape (Buy One, Get 2), The OFF! Clip Ons, ProClinical toothpaste and lunchables for the kids. But we had some shelf clearers, just kidding, I waited until Monday night, what do I expect? lol I still did pretty good. Not in savings, because those Sally Hansens are a pretty penney 699 a piece to be exact. But like I said before, I didn't hesitate!

The OFF! is for camping Memorial Day weekend which the family is so excited for! We aren't going to actually wear them, just clip them around the tent.

The tent is gi-normous! Our queen size airmattress bed will fit in one wing. It's one of those super tall ones. The kids each have their own airmattresses to go in the other wing. I was joking with my husband that I could set up a little vanity to do my makeup in the mornings. lol

Back to the shopping trip...

So the OFF! were on sale for $8.99. I had a BOGO MC and a $2/1 MC, also in the Walgreens May coupon book there is a $1 coupon. So that breaks down to $4.99 for the both of them. I'm going back today to grab two more and I might get some more tape. The tape is $1.99 but Buy 1, Get 2. I had 2 $1/1 MCs. So that translates out to $1.98 for 6 rolls of tape.

The candles were marked at $2.30 but they were $1.99 a piece and I had a $1/2 MC. They are itty bitty candles, barely give off a scent when they are lit. I won't be re-purchasing. I also found some Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream which I thought I read a review on Nouveau Cheap a long time ago but I can't find her post on it. But I thought I would try it for $1.99.

Oh and then of course the Revlon Top Speed. I needed a pink for Wednesday and they were BOGO 1/2 off.

Pretty good sales. I grabbed some sunscreen, essentially for my irish babies' skin, and what else? More Physicians Formula of course! Like I don't have the entire line by now. Well not even close but I have a ton. One of these days I need to do an updated make up collection. I'll probably do that when I'm packing for NC. It's going to be intense packing up all my goodies. Lots and lots of bubble wrap.

$8 and change times 2, minus 2 $2/1 plus $10 ECB back equals under $4 for 2 sunscreen sticks. (Can you tell I lost my receipt? I took the $10 ECB off before the misplacing.)

PF is $6 off this week on certain items, I believe powders, blushes and foundation? I found $4/1 MCs. The $5 PF coupon doesn't work in my town... But $4 is just as good! So $3 each for the palettes. Which I really like.

Second trip...

Scan my card and a ton of coupons print out. I've gotten the $1.50 off CVS make-up remover wipes before with my sister who informed me that they are $1.50 so I head back to the travel section and grab 2 because they are BOGO 1/2 off. Check. Oh they have travel Curel lotion for 99 cents. I have 2 $2/1MC, no size restriction. Check. The other day I got a $3/$10 Healthcare purchase. I grab some Fiber Choice because, hey did you know that we are seriously lacking fiber in our diets? Why not. I also have a $3/1 MC. Check. Lysol Freshmatic on sale for $5.99 and I have a $4/1 MC. Check. Oh, BOGO MC for Gilette deodorant for the hubs.

However at the register, I learn that I grabbed the wrong type. Nutz, line forming behind me. Well I decide to pass on the Gilette. I will be heading back to another CVS for another Lysol Freshmatic.

Grand total: $0.00. Awesome.

I have the Lysol Freshmatic up and running in the living room. I love it. It's not a heavy, "Oh, is that an air freshener I smell in here?" scent, just fresh and clean, hence the name, Clean Scent. lol
So out of pocket for everything was under $18. Neutragena sticks are pushing $9 a piece and the Fiber Choice is over $12 a bottle.

Speaking of Neutragena, all of the other Neutragena sunscreens, sprays, bottles, face sticks, are all over $15. Totally insane. Probably a couple dollars cheaper at Walmart but still, that's pretty darn expensive. Neutragena is the only sunscreen that I have found that I can wear on my face. Good thing I have 2 more coupons for another sale, another week!

Monday, May 16, 2011

So what does a girl do? Gone shopping of course! I've gone mad! I was wandering around town, popping into stores. I just can't help it when products are on clearance and I have coupons. Case in point. I was at Target over the weekend and saw Revlon Top Speed on Clearance. *sigh* I passed on Royal and Emerald. Why you ask? I have no idea but when I saw them on polish insomniac, about 5 minutes after I got home and she reminded me that I have coupons for Revlon! Of course I just couldn't wait to get back today and picked them up. The trip just wasn't for polish, I had other things on my list! But alas, my Target didn't have the Tracy Reese colors.

So from there I head to the mall to try my luck of finding the OPI silver shatter. Roll up to JC Penney and the entire Pirates of the Carribean collection is there, untouched. I'm in shock, but no silver shatter. I pass on all the beautiful colors. The manager says that she sold out of 16 bottles in one day. She tells me to try Trade Secret. Go up there, another Pirates of the Carribean collection display untouched. Weird. Then I am informed that the silver shatter will not be released until May 20th! But they won't get it in stock for at least 2 weeks. She tells me to keep calling and they will set one aside for me. Hmm... promising.

Then I head to CVS, second trip of the week, I grab a few things, pay $0.00. Awesome. Now it's time for Walgreens. Big trip planned. Store was of course sold out of all the things I wanted but I spin around the store one more time. Top Speed are of course on clearance and what, Revlon is BOGO 50% off? Okay, let me grab two. Then I spot them...

Sally Hansen crackles!!! Yay! I snatched up the silver and purple. Paid full price and didn't bat an eye! So excited. So here is my first crackle manicure. I was so excited that my polish Top Speed Royal wasn't completely dry so I have rookie cracks but I don't care! They are lovely. I can't decide on whether or not I want a top coat! Decisions, decisions...

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Why is that? Ugh. I thought I would brighten up my day with a little Hard Candy Sky. Total beauty. Of course my camera, well let's be honest here, my Blackberry, couldn't capture the true depth of a violet iridescent shimmer. It's just, well for lack of better words, just purdy!

Friday, May 13, 2011

This is the second time I have worn this polish since I bought it. The first time I tried it I couldn't stand the formula. I was also in a hurry and wanted 3 coats of polish to be dry immediately. Impossible with this polish. But pretty nonetheless.

I noticed some new followers trying to enter my blog giveaway. Blogger was having some issues yesterday when I tried to publish the new comments. Unfortunately today those comments/entries from yesterday "no longer exist." Sorry for the trouble but it wasn't me, it was blogger!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

So How I Met Your Magenta is a neon jelly. If there is such a thing. I don't know the technical terms, I just like to paint my nails...often... I like that it dries semi-shiny. 3 coats.

Super bright, blinding bright neon. Now when topped off with Hannah Pinktana...

It's a more manageable bright for me. I can't capture how beautiful this combination truly is. Quite unfortunate. I still like the semi-shine base so I don't want to mess with Seche Vite.

The weather is just gorgeous today. Mid-70's, sunny, no humidity, not a cloud in the sky. This is my kind of weather, well if I'm going to go there, I would rather upper 70's, low 80's but I'm not complaining. As long as the rain, cold, and snow hold off, I'm happy! Yes, it can still snow up here in NY. No joke.

A little disclaimer...

As you may already know, all product reviews and opinions expressed on Savvy Beauty are that of my own. I love all things beauty and whether or not I buy products for myself or on the rare occasion that I receive a product for review, only honest opinions based upon my personal experience will be shared.